CREATIVE CONVERSATION WITH FINE ARTIST: EMMANUEL UNAJI
Emmanuel Unaji studied both fashion design and completed a degree in BA (Hons) in Fine Art at Kingston School of Art in 2020. Whilst studying he was modelling for brands such as Gucci and Oswald Boating and in the pages of GQ. He even got on the other side of the camera and did some styling work, which one could say, led to his new venture of wearable art.
Bringing together his skills in painting, drawing and collage he has established a connection to high fashion. His art is adaptable to different mediums, through his practice of drawing, painting or in some cases sculpting adjacent to his subject cutouts from a magazine or photograph. His art is adaptable which led most recently to designing a public sculpture for Leeds council as his overall approach to fine art, is rebellious. He is deconstructing the ideology of luxury & celebrity, as he questions what the media feeds to us, his subjects tend to be fashion models, musicians, cultural and political icons. Emmanuel’s pieces ask the question of: What is their truth? How do we relate to them? His objective is in engaging the viewer in a conversation, by exploring what lies beneath the images that we consume.
His work has featured the likes of legends such as Naomi Campbell, Beyonce, Alton Mason and Skepta. His work exhibited with House of African Art(HAART), had a residency at the Hari Hotel, Belgravia London and is about to drop a new collection of his highly anticipated wearable art collection through Unaji&Co, safe to say he’s at a pinnacle point of his career and we are all avid to see what’s next.
In our conversation, we discuss the perceptions of the fine art world, what opportunities thus far have been the most rewarding and what’s coming up next for the young artist.
Emmanuel, how are you today?
Very well thank you!
Recently you created a public art sculpture for Corn Exchange / Leeds council titled, “Parallel Empires, Ancestral Kingdoms” unveiled in Leeds celebrates the manifestation of ancestral energy in contemporary culture; avenues such as music, fashion, sport, academia, carnival and more. Why did you decide to create your piece around the concept of Parallel Empires and Ancestral kingdoms?
Expanding Soul ! Was fortunate to be selected for a national public art project & education programme, which was around the theme of ‘The World Reimagined’- symbolic globes designed by legendary founding artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA. Amidst uncertainty let us smile, laugh, dance and seek joy whilst learning. My design payed homage to the synergy of griot, storytellers specifically African American singers, Billie Holiday’s strange fruit, Nina Simone, and Kayne West’s Blood on leaves. An inverse ode to cubism highlighting a silent conversation between European masters and African Sculptural aesthetics.
Emmanuel wears KEEN men’s Yogui Arts Rip City Paisley style
You’ve had quite a few exciting activations thus far with your work, however along the way have you faced any challenge’s as an artist?
I’d say communication & tone presents somewhat of a hurdle for us artists who are typically introverted personalities. Finding the reason to step outside of my comfort zone to share one's perspective has been a challenge worth overcoming behind the scenes. The next step is opening up externally, to the audience ha, the evolution for the Unaji brothers will include video, film & music, collaborating within mediums that provide emotional context to painting and words.
Is there perception of being an artist, that you would like to see change?
I think the perception of being a Fine Artist that I would like to change is that we are not always serious, I think Fine Art is a space of wit, humour coupled with historical depth. I do come across as serious in my images and perhaps publicly but I do have a sense of humour!
Would you say that you’ve got a moment in which you will feel like you’ve made it?
Ah there’s a few milestones and so much to come, but simply moving into a studio space was a surreal moment, as it’s always been a childhood dream to commit to a creative lifestyle. To me fashion is sculpture and painting is moving image, metaphorically speaking; sculpting the African Renaissance ceiling like Michelangelo did the Sistine Chapel, and Picasso did the Guernica. When the polymath ecosystem flows 360!
Has there been a step or an opportunity in your career, that has been impactful in your growth as an artist?
The Hari Hotel Artist Residency was an incredible career moment, so far, the space has such a regal atmosphere, akin to the ambience of a Château. An experience that matured my creative process and visual storytelling sensibilities.
Best piece of advice for someone looking to work as a fine artist?
Patience ha Enjoy researching versatile material, study theory, then experiment by expressing your ideas practically. Don’t be afraid of being wrong, in fine art there’s technically no such thing. Only to be or not to be.
Where would you love to exhibit your work and / or who would you love to have wear one of your pieces?
We’ll be announcing a dream collaboration soon - Venice Biennale and Art Basel are high on the list! Sir Lewis Hamilton MBE, I respect the journey of his talent and poise I’ve been rocking with NBA tunnel walk at the moment, few players that would look fly in some Unaji pieces!
Creative team
Photographer: JOHNNY COOKE
Art Director: KOJO HAMMOND
Produced & Interviewed by: SOPHIE EMMETT
Location: ART HUB STUDIOS